Summer means lots of time spent enjoying the great outdoors. One drawback? This may mean sun spots. Learn how to lighten spots and brighten skin naturally.

Sunshine makes us feel good. Why does there have to be a downside? We know that overexposure means skin aging and can even lead to skin cancer. It also causes skin discoloration and those nasty dark spots we hate to see.

Obvi, the best way to deal with sun spots is to prevent them in the first place. Proper sun protection will help to ward off discoloration. Still, you may end up with a spot or two. Before you go running to the nearest laser spa or purchase a bullet proof concealer, read on.

It’s true. There are natural ingredients that do a great job of lightening spots and brightening skin. And most are gentle enough for sensitive skin. Regular use can help to lighten damage and get your glow back.

Natural Ingredients to Lighten Sun Spots (Plus Product Picks!)

Rosehip oil is nature’s Retin-A. It contains a healthy dose of retinol (Vitamin A)which is a great anti-ager and, you guessed it, skin lightener. Can be used on its own as a spot treatment or facial as part of a facial serum. One note of caution – when using a product that contains Vitamin A, avoid direct sunlight as it may form free radicals which accelerate skin aging and the spread of existing skin cancer. Dr. Alkaitis Organic Night Crème delivers this healing ingredient to skin while you sleep.

Vitamin C is another effective skin brightener. Try Dr. Alkaitis Organic Day Crème with Vitamin C complex to repair damage during the day. Aloe helps to soothe upset skin. This moisturizer is very light. For dry skin types, use in combination with a facial oil or serum.

Turmeric calms inflammation, slows skin aging, and promotes even skin tone. It also adds the lightest touch of natural glow. May Lindstrom Skin The Problem Solver is an antioxidant rich facial mask, which includes detoxifying charcoal, to bring skin back into balance.

Licorice Root extract lightens sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and lends overall brightness to skin. Also said to boost the mood, this ingredient is definitely worth a shot. Try Amala Rejuvenating Serum which also addresses anti-aging issues, decreasing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Can’t decide which of these fabulous ingredients to enlist first? No worries. The lovely RMS Beauty Oil contains Rosehip, Turmeric, Licorice, plus skin brightening Tamanu in a super light, divinely scented facial oil.

Seeing spots on backs of hands? Amala Hydrating Hand Cream contains Papaya Fruit extract. The fruit contains an enzyme called papain, said to boost cell turnover and brighten the skin.

Adequate SPF plus some of these natural power lighteners equal even, healthy skin. Now go enjoy your summer!

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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Fresh, clear, glowing skin. Is this what you think of when dreaming of summer? Or do breakouts and grease slick sound more familiar? Learn how to get rid of zits and prevent further breakouts this season.

Summer weather has a way of sneaking up on skin. Just when you get your complexion used to the cooler weather skin care lineup, humidity and warmer temps throw a curve ball. The most common skin problem in summer months? Zits.

While there are several reasons blemishes crop up, they do not have to be a part of your summer look. Excess oil, sweat, and spending more time outdoors can all lead to trouble skin. Breakouts can be banished and future pimples prevented before they even have a chance to rear their ugly heads.

If you tend to run to harsh or drying treatments in attempt to clear congested or pimply skin, stop. Strong, drying ingredients zap skin of moisture, causing irritation and flaky buildup. And nothing spells zit breeding ground like flaky skin.

When it becomes overly dry, the skin naturally produces more oil in an attempt to balance itself. All of this excess oil becomes trapped under the flaky top layer, created by these harsh treatments, and you end up with even more zits. Yikes!

Natural is where it’s at when treating breakouts. Follow these tips and product recommendations to getting rid of zits and enjoy clear skin all summer long.

First trick to clear skin this season? Keep it clean. This may mean switching up your daily cleanser. A mild foaming cleanser is perfect for removing dirt and oil without stripping skin. 100% Pure Jasmine Green Tea Facial Cleansing Foam is made with coconut cleanser, ultra mild but effective in removing impurities and makeup. Don’t let summer fun stop you from cleaning your face before turning in for the night. For cleansing in a pinch, Acure Organics Argan Cleansing Towelettes are your new BFF.

Second most important step in warding off breakouts? Exfoliate. If you feel exfolitation is a luxury treatment or just not that important, think again. Exfoliation is absolutely critical to keeping zits at bay. Exfoliating done once to twice weekly will make sure dead skin cells don’t have a chance to build up. This step also clears pores and readies skin for serums and moisturizer. 100% Pure Brightening Scrub + Mask contains tiny jojoba beads and natural fruit acids to gently slough dry, dead skin cells.

And yes, your skin does need moisturizer even in the humid months. Lack of hydration is another common mistake those looking to prevent breakouts make. Switch to a light moisturizer that offers oil balancing and anti-aging protection. Acure Organics Oil Control Facial Moisturizer is non-greasy, balances oil and heals blemishes all in one product.

Heavy makeup can clog pores and cause eruptions this time of year. Ditch the foundation and opt for a self-tanner for the face. True Natural Perfect Tan Face Self Tanner + Moisturizer 2-in1 offers light hydration and builds a gradual, natural-looking tan via sugars extracted from fruits and vegetables. Use this every three days or so to maintain a healthy glow.

Overdoing dairy and carbs can also lead to acne. Choose a diet high in organic fruits and veggies, and drink plenty of water to keep system clear. A few simple lifestyle and product switches and your skin will be clear and bright all season.

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